Flood files opened up

Developer Stockland has willingly agreed to help put an end to the controversy around the regional hospital site by supplying access to flood modelling.

Stockland general manager Mark Hunter said he would be happy to show how the development would be built above the Q100 level, and how neighbouring roads would be trafficable even after a heavy deluge.

Mr Hunter was at a loss to understand how the hospital site had become such a source of controversy, particularly from divisional councillor Andrew Champion and Member for Kawana Steve Dickson.

Mr Dickson expressed concern last week that the hospital would be built in an area where "people won't be able to get to if the roads to it are flooded" and suggested the Nambour Big Pineapple site could be a better location.

Mr Champion said senior council planning officers were forced to sign confidentiality agreements preventing councillors from knowing how the road infrastructure around the proposed hospital site would be safe from flooding.

"We've requested to see the details, but we were told only key council officers would be allowed access to the information," Mr Champion said.

The Sunshine Coast Daily has also experienced difficulties in gaining access to flood maps.

Mr Hunter said this week that not only were councillors allowed knowledge of potential road flooding issues around the site, Mr Champion was one of the councillors who approved the development.

"The Kawana hospital site was endorsed by full council in May," he said.

Mr Hunter said key access roads to the proposed hospital site would have a "significantly higher flood protection rating than standard major roads' requirements".

Mr Champion's comments last week also provoked a conflict within Caloundra council chambers.

Councillor Gordon Wallace said yesterday it "has caused a rift between Kawana representatives on the Caloundra City council".

Mr Wallace accused Mr Champion of "scaremongering tactics" and said his statements were "misleading, inaccurate and designed to grab a shock headline".

"It saddens me to see Mr Dickson be a conspirator to this cheap shot - but I'm sure he has a personal agenda to team-up with local government figures on the Coast," Mr Wallace said.